Your Comments: Give money back to the soldiers who were taken for a ride

Syracuse police charged a taxi driver with Phenix Cab Co. of Watertown with grand larceny for extorting extra fare from Fort Drum soldiers under threat of a criminal charge after picking them up at Syracuse Hancock International Airport on Jan.3.

According to police, Michael B. Lavery, of Evans Mills, agreed to take five soldiers to Fort Drum for a total of $90, but informed the soldiers when they arrived that the cost was $90 each. Lavery threatened the soldiers with criminal charges, something that could hurt their military careers, if they didn't pay the full $450.

Users of syracuse.com were incensed that the soldiers were taken for a ride. Here's what one user, jackiedogg, had to say:

"I am sad that these people take advantage of the soldiers. This individual should return the money he extorted from these soldiers. A court should then determine if other punishment is justified. No pleas, no deals. These poor guys come home and get ripped off. Have the cab driver spend time doing community service in Afganistan Also, let the US army know what he did to fellow shoulders. I am very angry and saddened by this persons actions."